ACSM In The News

ACSM is fortunate to be the go-to source on sports medicine and exercise science for several national and international media outlets. You can find some of our most recent coverage below, or you can view archived articles.

Vitamin D May Improve Your Athletic Performance

A lack of the "sunshine vitamin" may affect muscle function and fitness levels, according to a new analysis published in the American College of Sports Medicine's Health & Fitness Journal.

Vitamin D supplements appear to help, the article concludes — but only in people who have tested positive to a deficiency.

Study author Stella Lucia Volpe, R.D., a professor of nutrition science at Drexel University, says that blood tests for vitamin D levels are becoming more common as part of routine doctors' visits. That's a good thing, she adds, since deficiencies are common, especially during winter months and in people who live farther from the equator.

"The reason for this increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is not yet known," Volpe says. "It is perhaps due to increased use of sunscreen, people going in the sun less, people covering themselves more; however, it may also be a result of more people being analyzed for vitamin D."